What we know about LGBT and the gender identity crisis

By McKenzie Collins on 2017-01-19

Understanding LGBT and the gender identity crisis.

In a world just recently coming to terms with same-sex love, it is no surprise that the gender identity crisis poses an equal issue. Our inability to accept such deviation from the norm stems from both a lack of understanding, and a poor willingness to try.

There are, in fact, a lot in common between the two communities: those who struggle to define their gender and those confused with their sexuality. Although such complex feelings cannot possibly be simplified and compared, what we can understand is the feeling of entrapment by form of physicality. On a larger scale than bodily insecurity, the LGBT and gender-dysphoric do not feel natural resonation with their physical selves. More, they feel at ends with who this implies they should be, and who this implies they should be with.

Quite often, the LGBT community will also face gender dysphoria. Even in same-sex relationships, each individual tends to take on either a more feminine or masculine role. For this sake, to conclude oneself as homosexual also encourages questioning of one’s comfort as their innate gender. The LGBT may take on female or male mannerisms purely for this way of being feels more natural. Indeed, they may believe it makes them more appealing to their same-sex partner.

However, simply because the two concepts do cross - homosexuality and gender dysphoria - does not mean to say they are the same thing. Not everyone in the LGBT community will suffer gender dysphoria and vice versa. Such is a common misconception, formed only by lack of knowledge.

The truth is, an individual may suffer gender dysphoria and still find themselves attracted to the opposite sex. The gender identity crisis differs to the discovery of one’s homosexuality for it looks closely at self, rather than at one’s relation to others. It depicts a lack of feeling towards one’s own individuality. A gender-dysphoric individual may feel they are more mentally and even, spiritually representative of the opposite sex - counter, of course, to the way they appear biologically.

To discover oneself as homosexual, while also being a personal realization, relates a lot more heavily to others. It has to do with the way we feel towards other human beings. We may lack to find attraction in whom is supposedly deemed natural for us - the opposite biological sex - and/or instead, find ourselves attracted to the same sex.

Differences and similarities aside, what is important to remember is that whether one is homosexual or gender dysphoric, is not suggestive of the different way they ought to be treated. People are people. We are all different. Sometimes, we vary in more significant ways than in others.

In the way we love others and even ourselves, we are characterized by diversity. Those things that make you feel comfortable about being you will not be the same for your neighbor. Particularly as we grow up, it is crucial that we learn to respect differences between ourselves and others. This acceptance will allow for human growth and encourage the discovery of peace within ourselves.

At the end of the day, it does not matter if our girlfriend finds love in other girls. Nor does it matter if she feels more comfortable presenting herself with manly characteristics. If such makes an individual feel right about who they are, then we ought to let them be.

This life is hard enough as it is. To sacrifice being true to yourself shall only increase its difficulty. It is up to us to find ourselves, but also the responsibility of everyone else to establish an environment for doing so.

We ought to make this world the most loving and inclusive place we can. To do so will only come with trying our best to understand that differences are inevitable. Differences are okay. In life, we shall find difference. But in difference, we shall also find life. So be open to such self discovery - in yourself and in others.